Education & Engagement Coordinator

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County seeks an Education & Engagement Coordinator to join our team. This exempt role splits time between our Santa Barbara office and Arroyo Hondo Preserve on the Gaviota Coast, with additional county-wide field experiences.

You will design curriculum-based programs, lead our long-running docent-led field trips, and partner with staff to create outdoor activities, signage, and outreach materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural sciences, environmental/conservation studies, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Spanish language fluency.
• At least three years teaching experience either in a traditional classroom or in an outdoor classroom environment.
• Ability to implement interdisciplinary learning experiences engaging learners of all ages.
• Experience working with volunteers to train, instruct, mentor, and coach docents.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating new program ideas and delivery methods.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with accuracy and timeliness.
• Strong written and oral communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn CPR/wilderness first aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and implements curriculum-based education programs including the field trip program at Arroyo Hondo Preserve.
• Supports and leads countywide community programs to connect residents with nature and land conservation.
• Builds relationships with schools and community organizations to align programming with diverse communities.
• Coordinates recruitment, training, supervision, and support for docents.
• Creates curriculum, exhibits, signage, and educational materials for educators, volunteers, and Land Trust outreach.
• Assists with developing the volunteer handbook and ensures trainings and policies are communicated.
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator on volunteer education and events.
• Tracks education program data via database or web interface.
• Contributes to fundraising activities including grant applications and donor tours.
• Monitors program and grant budget development and provides input to the team.

Skills

Spanish language fluency

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Volunteer coordination

Public speaking

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural sciences, environmental/conservation studies, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Presentation software

Job description

Description

Location

Santa Barbara, requires frequent travel to the Gaviota Coast and throughout the county

Job Type

Full-time, exempt position

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday

Salary Range

$ 74,200 – 79,000 (This salary range incorporates consideration for bilingual skills required for the role)

Organization Overview

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For over 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of nearly 59,000 acres, over 72 conservation projects, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding our work to better serve everyone in this incredible county, including new community-based programs and working towards a possible public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is looking for an Education & Engagement Coordinator to join our dynamic team. This is an exempt position splits time between our office in Santa Barbara and outdoors at Arroyo Hondo Preserve (Gaviota Coast), and other programs countywide. This position reports to the Associate Director of Community Engagement. The Education & Engagement Coordinator plays a key role in advancing our mission by providing curriculum-based environmental education programs to connect students and our community with Santa Barbara County’s natural and agricultural wonders. The Coordinator will lead our long-running volunteer-docent-led school field trip program based at Arroyo Hondo Preserve. The Coordinator will also collaborate with other staff on the Community Engagement team to develop and implement outdoor programs, such as guided walks and activities, volunteer events, and other community engagement and educational opportunities throughout Santa Barbara County. The Education & Engagement Coordinator will create curriculum, communication materials, signage and exhibits for preserves, guided community experiences, and Land Trust publications. The ideal candidate will be a creative-thinker and thoughtful communicator, fluent in Spanish, who thrives in working across cultures and communities and is passionate about advancing environmental education, land conservation, and equity in the Santa Barbara County community.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and implements curriculum-based education programs including the field trip program based at Arroyo Hondo Preserve
• Supports and leads a variety of other countywide community programs and initiatives to connect the Santa Barbara County community with nature and the land conservation work of the Land Trust
• Builds and maintains relationships with schools, educational institutions, and community organizations integrating input into programming and ensuring culturally relevant curriculum
• Coordinates recruitment, training, supervision, and learning opportunities for docents. Provides docents with day-to-day support and provides appropriate feedback and evaluation. Responds to inquiries from potential docents
• Creates curriculum, exhibits, signage, and other educational materials for educators, volunteers, visitors, and Land Trust outreach and engagement programs
• Assists with developing and maintaining the Land Trust’s volunteer handbook and coordinates with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure all docents receive required trainings and are informed about all policies and procedures related to their work
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator to plan and implement volunteer education/trainings, recognition celebrations, and community events
• Tracks education program data via database or web-interface
• Contributes to fundraising activities as appropriate including supporting grant applications, donor tours, and special event logistics
• Monitors program and grant budget development, tracks expenditures and provides input to team as appropriate

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural sciences, environmental/conservation studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Spanish language fluency
• At least three years teaching experience either in a traditional classroom or in an outdoor classroom environment
• Ability to implement relevant and meaningful interdisciplinary learning experiences that engage learners (docents/adults and students) in exploring and investigating the world around them
• Experience working with volunteers to train, instruct, mentor, motivate and coach docents and students
• Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating new program ideas and delivery methods
• Ability to work independently and oversee a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to listen to and discuss problems and complaints tactfully
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs. Proficient with presentation software, Microsoft Office, or the ability to quickly learn new software programs
• Commitment to working with the community to advance the Land Trust’s mission
• Ability to learn and maintain CPR/wilderness first aid certifications
• Informed passion, commitment, and sense of urgency for the mission of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Highly Desired

• Teaching credential (multi- or single-subject)
• Environmental education certificate from North American Association for Environmental Education, California Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education, or other
• Previous outdoor teaching experience

Essential Requirements

• Spanish language fluency
• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to work and travel throughout Santa Barbara County
• Ability to frequently hike 5 miles over rugged terrain off established trails
• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, and twist
• Ability to lift or move up to 40 pounds